Idaho Falls adopts revised snow and ice control policy; council asks for clearer public guidance

The Idaho Falls City Council on Oct. 23 adopted an updated Snow and Ice Control Policy and Procedures manual for 2025 after staff outlined minor map and priority changes and councilors discussed public notification and sidewalk-assistance information.

Public works Director Chris Ferguson said the changes were minor and called attention to updates on the snow removal method map and the snow priority map, specifically additions that include Lindsay Boulevard from the US-20 North off-ramp to city limits, Elks Street and Main Street near the Idaho Falls Police Station as priority routes, and a change on South Anderson Avenue to be plowed to one side.

Councilors asked staff to make it easier for residents who need help clearing sidewalks to find assistance. Councilor Francis said she could not find the referenced help resources on the city website and asked staff to verify and publish clear step-by-step instructions. The mayor and staff agreed to coordinate with the city’s public information officer to ensure links and instructions are discoverable.

Director Ferguson and other staff described operational priorities that guide the manual: critical arterials and the most-traveled streets are plowed first to reduce accidents, and a 72-hour target is used for getting streets plowed in a major event. Ferguson also described new equipment purchases, including an “ice breaker” capable of removing compacted ice more efficiently, and said the city has improved response times by investing in better equipment.

Council adopted the resolution updating the Snow and Ice Control Policy with a unanimous vote. Councilors emphasized both the engineering behind route priorities and the need for public education to reduce frustration about snow removal timing.